Can lasers replace conventional methods in optimizing bond strength of bioactive materials?
摘要
This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength of four different bioactive restorative materials to dentin prepared using either a high-speed bur or Er, Cr: YSGG laser. A total of 120 extracted human molars were divided into two groups (n = 60) based on dentin surface preparation: high-speed diamond bur or Er,Cr:YSGG laser (3 W, 20 Hz, 70% H₂O, 60% air). Each group was further divided into four subgroups (n = 15) according to the restorative material: Group I–glass hybrid (EQUIA Forte HT), Group II–bioactive resin composite (Activa BioActive-Restorative), Group III–giomer (Beautifil II), and Group IV–alkasite (Cention Forte). Materials were applied per manufacturers’ instructions using a standardized Teflon mold system. After 24 h, shear bond strength was tested with a universal testing machine at 1.0 mm/min. One sample per group was examined under SEM to assess the resin–dentin interface. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Games Howell post hoc test (p < 0.05). Group IV showed the highest bond strength in both surface treatments, while Group I had the lowest (p < 0.05). In Group II, laser treatment resulted in a statistically significant reduction in bond strength compared to bur-prepared surfaces (p < 0.05), whereas surface preparation had no significant effect on the bond strength of the remaining groups. Adhesive failures were most common, though cohesive failures were more frequent in Group II-Bur and Group I-Laser. The bonding performance of bioactive restorative materials was influenced by both their composition and the dentin surface preparation method. Cention Forte showed the most reliable adhesion on both bur- and laser-prepared dentin, whereas EQUIA Forte HT exhibited lower bonding performance.